At issue is a 2012 NFLPA rule, which states that only NFLPA-certified agents may be involved in the recruitment of clients. If Jay-Z had any role in recruiting Smith, Roc Nation agent Kim Miale and the company could have violated NFLPA recruiting rules.

Fueling the controversy is a picture Smith posted on Instagram during the recruiting process, as well as a quote from Smith’s adviser, John Thornton.

“It really all came down to who he was most comfortable with," Thornton, told CBS Sports. "I was in those meetings and Jay-Z connected with him on many levels.”